Beauty queen is a glass act

A pilot scheme to give consumers more choice when it comes to ordering a glass of wine has won a glamorous new supporter.

East Dunbartonshire recently became the first area in Scotland to introduce the option of a 125ml glass to the majority of licenced premises – over 90 pubs, clubs and restaurants – with the Kirkintilloch Herald Series acting as media partner.

It has seen establishments like Boclair House Hotel, Bar Florence, The Avenue, The Torrance Inn, Douglas Park Golf Club, The Burnbrae and many more offer the smaller size alongside the more traditional 175ml and 250ml glasses.

A recent survey coordinated by communications consultancy Spreng Thomson revealed that, while 60 per cent had not heard about the 125ml wine glass, an overwhelming majority of 71 per cent of people surveyed supported the introduction of the smaller measure.

Now the reigning Miss Stirlingshire Olivia McPike who also currently works at the popular Kirkintilloch restaurant Mariana, has got on board.

She told the Herald: “There’s a lot of bad press about beauty pageants: not eating well, not taking care of yourself, unhealthy living.

“Miss Scotland is more about confidence and health.

“You want to be a role model for younger girls and to set a positive example, so I’m happy to support the 125ml wine glass campaign.”

Initial feedback on the campaign has been massively positive, both from licensees and the general public, who have highlighted weight loss and positive changes to Scottish drinking culture as being two possible benefits of the scheme.

While customers visit venues in person, they are now also getting on social media, posting selfies and commenting on the campaign.

Billington’s Deli is an active supporter of the campaign and has even started producing their own videos on Facebook and Twitter to help promote the new measure to their customers.

To mark the campaign in East Dunbartonshire customers are being offered the opportunity to win a luxurious break away for two at the boutique Boclair House Hotel, including dinner and breakfast.

To enter, visit any participating venue, take a selfie using the campaign coaster, name the venue and tag #ED125ml.